The Winery Dogs Live

Los Angeles’ very own, The Winery Dogs, consisting of Billy Sheehan, Mike Portnoy and Richie Kotzen, made their stop at Denver’s very own, underground concert venue… The Soiled Dove for the second time this year to put on a kick ass rockin’ show. Drummer Mike Portnoy has been jamming around with a few other projects and bands since departing from Dream Theater, but it seems that the Winery Dogs is the one he’s the happiest with. You don’t get more passionate than Mike Portnoy and his expression radiates during his live performances. I have seen it in Dream Theater, and I have seen it in his brief time with Avenged Sevenfold and I have not seen the same spirit up until last night’s show.

He spent most of the night spinning sticks, making faces, pointing to crowd members and having a great time on stage. Billy Sheehan on the other hand, who has played with David Lee Roth, Mr. Big, Steve Vai and many others brought the pain all night with his bass…those familiar with his playing know that he is unlike any other in his performance and style with his tapping technique, very strong sound and relentless scales. Richie Kotzen, who has played with Poison, Mr. Big and his own solo band, is the front-man of the band with his pickless guitar playing. Put these guys all on stage together and you basically have the next Rush! They have been touring non-stop so make sure you get yourselves out to a show or pick-up their self-titled album. Tracks such as “Elevate” and “Criminal” are a great start to begin with if you have not heard them before.